English part -

In this interview I “meet” with Octavio Pitaluga from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…

Octavio is a very successful business manager and coach What’s particularly interesting is that he is the most connected South American professional in the main online social and business networks. So I asked him a very simple question:

“What piece of advice would you give to an entrepreneur who starts to network ?”

Please find below, 5 advices for entrepreneurs who wants to network from scratch.

*Five quick action points*

_1. Define your value proposition:_ before connecting others, have a very clearly idea about what you are really good at and the value that others easily see on what you do and how you do it. Collect all good testimonials and referrals you have received throughout your career. Show consistency.

_2. Organize your digital presence:_ create your site/blog and manage your profile on social networks regularly. Have a digital strategy in place for lifetime.

_3. Structure your databasis:_ segment it per stakeholder since the very begining. Maintain it always well organized and updated. Every contact can be activated at the right time, with the right approach and for the right project once you have all these contact details at hands. Keep talking to and sharing value with your peers constantly. You never know when they will recognize your uniqueness and look for you and react quick and positively towards your invitation.

_4. Co-organize and participate in networking events:_ be strongly present in the real world too. introduce yourself personally and let people have a small but free experience with you.

_5. Be responsive:_ once you reached enough visibility and attractiveness, people will start coming after you. By this time, give them your utmost and immediate attention. It does not matter if they bring you just problems. Be polite and treat them with respect. They will remember you for being nice and caring. They may spread the word around and bring you much more value while you continue building anetwork full of valuable and tangible referrals.

Bio:Octavio Pitaluga is the CNO of TEN (Top Executives Net) and the most connected South American professional in the main online social and business networks. Business networks manager, certified international business coach, public speaker and trainer. He defined the CNO – Chief Networking Officer responsibilities on Wikipedia. Initial Author of Selma Prodanovics “Brainsbook on Networking”. In the corporate world, worked for Tele2 Europe as Marketing and Sales Director responsible for operations in up to 17 countries and four business units in Western Europe. He also worked for Seara Alimentos (Cargill Group now) and Kanematsu do Brasil Ltda. Octavio possess an MBA degree from RSM Erasmus University, The Netherlands and post-graduation studies in International Business for UFRJ/ECEX. His academic background and professional experience relates to sciences, international business and marketing of technology with relevant international business exposure in more than 25 countries. Honours: General Plinio Pitaluga Medal